Half of Nashville seventh-grade students could be sent home over missed shots

Buena Vista Elementary students received a black Tennessee Titans drawstring backpack filled with school supplies on their first day of school.
Jason Gonzales, Ayrika Whitney/USA TODAY NETWORK - Tennessee

Just over half of Metro Nashville Public Schools seventh-grade students started the year without the required immunization shots.

If students don't get the required shots by next Thursday, then they will be sent home, according to a district news release.

The issue isn't one that's new for the Nashville district or families. Annually, the district must send home the reminder to parents that shots are required or their student must stay home.

Of the district's 4,168 seventh-grade students, 2,174 are noncompliant, the release said.

“Our first reporting window was yesterday (Aug. 9) and we have a lot of work to do,” said Tony R. Majors, executive officer of student services, in the news release. “(Parents) have until Wednesday to get their immunizations.

"Beginning Thursday Aug. 17, students will not be allowed to return to school without proof of immunization.”

This year's numbers are similar to previous years, and the district is reminding families health clinics will be able to see students to administer shots and update records.

Students can receive the immunizations, or obtain the updated certificate if they have already had the immunizations, from their doctor or, if eligible, from the Metro Public Health Department, the release said.

The Health Department clinics are open from 8 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday at Lentz, Woodbine and East locations.

By law, parents must show proof that seventh-grade students got a tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis booster and a second dose of chicken pox vaccine.

The law requires prekindergarten, kindergarten and seventh-grade students show a record of immunization to school officials.

Reach Jason Gonzales at jagonzales@tennessean.com or on Twitter @ByJasonGonzales.